Pumpkin spice, a beloved flavor synonymous with fall, often takes center stage in seasonal treats like Starbucks' pumpkin spice lattes.
While these delights might be known for their added sugar content, there's a silver lining to the pumpkin spice itself.
According to Kanchan Koya, Ph. D., an expert in the field, this spice blend deserves recognition for its potential health advantages.
The Magic of Pumpkin Spice Ingredients
In a recent interview with EatingWell, Kanchan Koya, the creative mind behind "Spice Spice Baby" and "The Spice Spice Baby Cookbook," teamed up with Little Leaf Farms to shed light on the remarkable health benefits of pumpkin spice. This delightful blend contains an array of spices, each with its own unique health properties.
Cinnamon Acts as a Blood Sugar Stabilizer
According to the expert, another important ingredient in pumpkin spice is cinnamon which is responsible for regulating the blood sugar level of a human.
"Cinnamon has powerful properties that can potentially lower blood sugar and stabilize blood sugar, and that's really important because many people are struggling with good blood sugar control and metabolic health," Koya explains.
This claim is substantiated by extensive research, including a 2020 study published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society. The research is titled "Influence of Cinnamon on Glycemic Control in Individuals With Prediabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial."
Ginger: Anti-Inflammatory and Digestive Aid
Ginger, another key ingredient, boasts anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting compounds.
Koya elaborates that ginger works as an anti-inflammatory agent. Additionally, it also aids in the digestion of humans. It helps in bloating and easing down chronic inflammation.
Nutmeg and Cloves: A Touch of Calm and Relief
Nutmeg, renowned for its calming properties, aids in promoting relaxation and easing anxiety and mood-related concerns. Furthermore, it exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.
Cloves, on the other hand, contain compounds like eugenol, offering topical pain relief and combating inflammation within the body.
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Embrace Pumpkin Spice for a Healthier You
With these compelling health benefits in mind, incorporating more pumpkin spice into your daily routine this fall and beyond is a tempting proposition.
Whether you choose to infuse it into your morning coffee or savor it in savory dishes like Pumpkin Spice Butternut Squash Soup, the options are plentiful.
To explore the savory side of pumpkin spice, Koya collaborated on a Pumpkin Spice Salad recipe with Little Leaf Farms. This dish features fiber-rich vegetables combined with the anti-inflammatory spice blend, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and health benefits.
Koya adds that fiber-rich vegetables are going to help a person's gut microbiome which helps in managing the inflammation.
If you are fond of pumpkin spice latte, why not try a pumpkin spice burger for a change? Almost a decade ago, there's a hype around the pumpkin cheeseburgers in the US. This was first featured by PornBurger, a popular food blog on the internet.
